New teacher led organisation to help support Computing Science teachers in Scotland
New teacher led organisation to help support Computing Science teachers in Scotland
Scottish Teachers Advancing Computing Science (STACS) is a new teacher-led organisation that is aimed at supporting and working with the Computing Science teacher community to help advance Computing Science at school level in Scotland. Following the publication of the Scottish Tech Ecosystem Review by Professor Mark Logan, STACS was created and funded by the Scottish Government in direct response to the education recommendations to improve Computing Science provision in Scotland.
We are launching with a brand new repository of high quality teaching resources for Broad General Education, available now to all teachers in Scotland. Content ranges from Python to Web design and promotes best practice pedagogy. The STACS website is the central hub for all things Computing Science that is relevant to schools, including free pick up and play resources tailored to the Scottish curriculum and much more.
This initiative recognises the importance of Computing Science as a subject in schools and the integral part it plays in Scotland’s ambition to be a Digital Nation. Computing Science in education has a key role in helping to engage, nurture and inspire the next generation of talent and that journey starts in the classroom. STACS recognises that teachers are the experts in this field and are key to improvement on a national level. We aim to provide a vehicle for the teacher community to advance Computing Science together.
STACS will work to advocate for the Computing Science teacher community, remove barriers, support teachers in developing and delivering their vision and goals, and work with teachers to create the best experience in Computing Science at schools. Ultimately, we are working to increase Computing Science uptake, close the gender and attainment gaps, and have the subject thrive in all schools.
STACS is run by Computing Science teachers who know first hand the challenges of teaching the subject in Scotland. Toni Scullion and Brendan McCart, both Scottish Computing Science teachers, are co-leads. We are working closely with the STACS teacher reference group to help steer and shape the direction of STACS and ensure our actions and priorities are in line with the needs of those who are teaching in the classroom. The STACS reference group includes teachers from different backgrounds and levels of experience and provides unique insight into the needs of Computing Science teachers at different stages of their careers. The reference group membership is: Darren Brown, Sinead Flanigan, Fraser McKay, Sarah Lyon, Chris Aitken, Jackie Campbell, Bryan Irvine, Katie Gallagher, Tony Harkins, Stephen Stewart, Craig Delaney, Charlie Love, Stephen Stewart, Peter Donaldson and Greg Reid.
Any organisation looking to find out more and get involved with STACS can email support@stacs.scot.
